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Chen PK, Tang KT, Chen DY. The NLRP3 Inflammasome as a Pathogenic Player Showing Therapeutic Potential in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Comorbidities: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:626. [PMID: 38203796 PMCID: PMC10779699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by chronic synovitis and the progressive destruction of cartilage and bone. RA is commonly accompanied by extra-articular comorbidities. The pathogenesis of RA and its comorbidities is complex and not completely elucidated. The assembly of the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activates caspase-1, which induces the maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and leads to the cleavage of gasdermin D with promoting pyroptosis. Accumulative evidence indicates the pathogenic role of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in RA and its comorbidities, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and interstitial lung diseases. Although the available therapeutic agents are effective for RA treatment, their high cost and increased infection rate are causes for concern. Recent evidence revealed the components of the NLRP3 inflammasome as potential therapeutic targets in RA and its comorbidities. In this review, we searched the MEDLINE database using the PubMed interface and reviewed English-language literature on the NLRP3 inflammasome in RA and its comorbidities from 2000 to 2023. The current evidence reveals that the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the pathogenesis of RA and its comorbidities. Consequently, the components of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway represent promising therapeutic targets, and ongoing research might lead to the development of new, effective treatments for RA and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Ku Chen
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2, Yude Road, Taichung 40447, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Tung Tang
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan;
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Der-Yuan Chen
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2, Yude Road, Taichung 40447, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan;
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
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